Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

OMG, you guys, I just made the most decadent French toast casserole, and it’s basically like having dessert for breakfast! The combo of cinnamon, vanilla, and the crispy pecan topping makes it totally Insta-worthy—trust me, you’ll want to dive into this as soon as it comes out of the oven! 🌟🥰

I adore the soothing glow of a Baked French Toast Casserole. Blending the eggs, milk, and heavy cream just right, then stirring in a hint of cinnamon and a dash of vanilla, makes for a divine breakfast.

When I bake it, I use a sprinkle of brown sugar on top; some recipes call for a drizzle of maple syrup instead. Either way, this dish is heavenly.

I sometimes throw in a handful of chopped pecans, but I love it just as much without them.

Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• French Bread: Provides carbohydrates, adds structure and texture to the casserole.
• Eggs: High in protein, help bind the mixture for a custard-like texture.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and moisture, contributes to the rich custard base.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dish, balances flavors, adds subtle sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a depth of flavor, with a hint of molasses, complements spices.
• Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice, enhances overall flavor profile.
• Pecans: Optional nutty crunch, provides healthy fats and additional texture.
• Butter: Adds richness, deep buttery flavor, aids in creating a crisp top.

Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for topping
• Powdered sugar for garnish
• Syrup for serving

How to Make this Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Use butter or a non-stick spray to grease a baking dish that measures 9×13 inches.

2. Scatter the cubed French bread in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together until everything is well incorporated.

4. Evenly pour the egg blend over the bread cubes, and press down gently to make sure all the bread is soaked.

5. Even when using pecans, ensure their even distribution atop the casserole.

6. Melted butter should be drizzled over the whole casserole to add richness.

7. Keep the dish covered with foil and let it sit for at least half an hour or put it in the refrigerator where it can chill overnight. This chilling time allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture fully.

8. Dust the top with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar so that it bakes into a sweet, crisp crust.

9. Place in the oven that has been heated to 350°F for 45-55 minutes. Remove the foil at about 22 minutes in. The baking is done when the top is a lovely golden brown and the center is set.

10. Allow it to cool for a moment; then sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, and present alongside a small pitcher of syrup.

Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch baking dish
3. Non-stick spray or butter for greasing
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Foil
11. Pastry brush or small spoon (for drizzling melted butter)
12. Cooling rack
13. Serving plates or dish
14. Pitcher (for serving syrup)

FAQ

• Can I prepare the casserole the night before?You can indeed make the casserole the night before and have it in the fridge. It has to sit for about 30 minutes in room temperature before it can go into the oven.
• Can I use a different type of bread?Of course, brioche or challah are excellent substitutes that yield a congruent texture and sumptuous richness.
• Is it necessary to add pecans?No, the pecans are optional. You can leave them out if you want to make it a version without nuts.
• Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?Almond milk or coconut milk can be used to replace, even though they might change the flavor and texture a little.
• How do I store leftovers?Wrap the casserole well and keep it in the refrigerator for as long as 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at a low temperature.
• Can I adjust the sweetness level?Certainly, if you would like a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of sugar a bit. Or serve it with slightly less syrup and powdered sugar. In fact, you could even skip the syrup and powdered sugar altogether and still have a yummy breakfast!
• Can I freeze the casserole?Casseroles may be frozen before baking for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator.

Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

One loaf of French bread, cut into cubes that are 1 inch in size.
Eight large eggs.
2 cups almond milk or soy milk (substitute for milk)

1/2 cup coconut cream (substitute for heavy cream)
1/2 cup coconut sugar (substitute for granulated sugar)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (use pecans for a substitute)
1/2 cup melted coconut oil (butter substitute)

Pro Tips

1. Bread Selection Use day-old or slightly stale French bread for better absorption of the custard mixture. Fresh bread can become too soggy, while older bread holds its shape better and absorbs flavors more effectively.

2. Flavor Infusion For enhanced flavor, add a bit of freshly grated nutmeg or orange zest to the egg mixture. This adds a subtle depth and fragrance to the casserole.

3. Cooling Time After baking, allow the casserole to cool for at least 10-15 minutes. This helps the custard set further and makes it easier to slice and serve.

4. Pecan Enhancement Toast the chopped pecans briefly in a dry skillet until fragrant before adding them to the casserole. This brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor and crunch.

5. Serving Variation Serve with a selection of toppings such as fresh berries or a fruit compote for added color and taste. This provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy casserole.